I've got a '97 SC2 with about 103,000 miles on it. The car just started to have some weird problems - before I list the problems out, let me add the battery is less than a month old.

Right after filling the tank today, when I went to start the car, I got nothing - no idiot lights, the starter didn't crank, nothing.

Right before this happened, the radio display changed to "LOC". The "LOC" on the radio display flickered on and off as if there wasn't enough power going to it.

I pushed the car away from the gas pumps and about 3 minutes later, was able to start it, although it immediately stalled. I started it again and it idled fine - as if nothing had happened.

About 2 miles later on the way home - on City streets - the idiot lights came on as if the car had stalled, but the engine was still running. A few seconds later, the lights went out again.

A few days ago, the ABS and Brake lights came on and stayed on while driving. I know the car's got brake fluid so I assumed it was a sensor. I got to where I was going, parked and shut the engine off for about 10 minutes and when I came back, I checked the brake fluid level (took the filler cap off). When I started the car again, the idiot lights (ABS and Brake) went off just like normal.

Any ideas? Do I have a flaky battery or something else going on?

Thanks,

Larry

P.S. I might add that the car is on the market. I've got too many car hobbies (restoring 1 car, about to replace the exhaust system on another) and this car isn't being driven all that often. Between the extra money I'm spending to keep it insured and lack of parking, this one's gotta go.

 

Could something as simple as a bad battery connection. Check to make sure the terminal connectionsare clean and tight.


-S-Turn-Edited by: S-Turn

 

Sorry for the delay in the update.

The connections seemed tight, but I took 'em off anyway. The connections were definitely clean. When I reattached the battery cables, I tightened them more than I originally did. So far, so good.

I'm also going to get the battery load tested just in case (and as I think someone else suggested - although I can't find that post right).

Larry

 

When you have the battery tested have the alternator tested also. Then there's the possibility of the belt tensioner losing its ability to hold the belt taut. Any finger pressure to deflect the belt between the pulleys is a good indicator the tensioner is worn out and the alternator won't charge the battery.